Fire extinguisher



June 7, 1932. 1 E. GRIFFING FIRE EXTINGUISHER Filed AprilxlQ, 1930 gmwm Gr z'//z'ng y WIW* f my Patented June 7, 1932 E rares* LEWIS E. GRIFFING, O-F MONTROSE-PENNSYLVANIA.

Finn EXTINGUISHER Y Application mea April 19,

This invention relates to a fire extinguisher and has relation more particularly vtoa device of this kind which is especially adapted for use in connection withautomobiles although I do not desire to be understood as limiting my device for this particular purpose.

It is an obj ect of the invention to provide a 'device of this kind comprising a casing in which. is supported by a fusible element a container holding a desired supply of fire extinguishing fluid, togetherv with means whereby upon release of the container the fluid therein will be effectively distributed over a relatively large area to facilitate the extinguishing of a fire.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of this kind wherein a fire extinguishing fluid container is supported above a breaking element whereby said conl' tainer when released is effectively demolished,

thus assuring the desired distribution of the Vfire extinguishing fluid.

The invention consists 1n the details of constructionv and in the combination and arn of) rangement of the several parts of my improved fire extinguisher whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth. Y v p The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention mayA be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is a view partly in section and partly in side elevation illustrating a fire extinguisher constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention; Y

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 2--2 of Figure 1 lookingln the direction of the arrows.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawing, C denotes a casing made of metal or other desired material and Vwhich is substantially square in cross section. This casing has oney end closedby a head l while the opposite end is open. This casing C is adapted to nor- 1930. `Serial No. 445,740.

mally. house therein a container A, the walls of which being of glass or other fragile material, and which is adapted to contain the desired amount of fire extinguishing Huid, such as carbon tetrachloride. This container A is held Within the casing C by a fabric saddle S, the extremities of which beingI suitably anchored, as at 2, to side walls of the casing C with the container A resting from above upon the intermediate portion of the saddle.

The saddle S is saturated with a preparation which is highly inflammable uponco'n-y tactwith the flame but which is susceptible of withstanding a relativel high heat temperature free of a flame. T is preparation may be as desired but preferably comprises an admixture of potassium chlorate, beeswax and paraflin. The potassium chloride lis mixed s withthe beeswax and paraiin when melted and such preparation after being applied to the saddle S is forced therein under pressure, as by ironing. After the saddle S has been suitably prepared I find it of advantage to dispose over the outer face of the saddle S a lamination 3 of paper coated with the same preparation as has been applied to the saddle proper. By the use of this paper the saddle proper is effectively protected against moisture and to further assure such protection, it'` is to be noted that the saddle S is so positioned within the casing C that it is entirelytherein. Or, in other words, no portion of the saddle is extended beyond the open end of the casing.

Cpposed walls of the casing C at substantially their transverse centers havefsecured therein the arms 4 of desired length and which are preferably integrally formed with the `marginal portion of a cone-like disc or member v5, the apex of which being disposed toward the open endof the casing C at the axial center thereof but spaced a distance therefrom. i

It is also to be particularly notedthat thev arms 4 along their major lengths are turned to bring their flat faces substantially radial to the disc or member 5 so that upon breakage V0f the container -A whendropped upon the Yan outstanding neck 6 with which maybe engaged a screw cap 7 or the like. This, however, is an immaterial feature as the container A may filled in any manner desired.

The head 1 of the casing C at substantially its axial center is provided witli'aninwardly disposed lug 8 whichl'serves as a guide or holding means for an end portion of a coil spring 9 preferably spiral with the larger end of said spring in direct contact with the inner or inserted end of the applied container A.

e The head 1 is not applied to the Casing C until after the saddle S and the "container A have been properly arranged within the casing C and as the head 1 is applied the previously placed spring 9 will be brought under desired tension, preferably twenty-five pounds, the head 1 is'then soldered or otherwise securely anchored to the casing C. Y After the saddle S burns to release or free the container A, the container will be forcibly thrown by the spring y9 into contact with the disc or member 5, thus assuring the desired breakage of the container A.

My improved lire extinguisher is especially adapted for use in connection with antoniobiles as it can be readily supported by suitable brackets under the hood or cowl and at such points where the liability of fire is most apt to occur. As the means for holding the'extinguisher in desired applied or working position form no part of the present invention it `is not believed that such holding means need be described or illustrated. Y Y

The' walls of the casing C other than those with which the saddle S are associated are provided with a lining 10 of asebestes se that the applied container A will be effectively protected against surrounding heat.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a fire extinguisher constructed in accordance with my invention .is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will alsobe obvious thatmy invention is susceptible of some change and modification without a container Y the container being fragile, means operating to forcibly project the container out through the open end of the casing upon burning of the saddle,and a part positioned outwardly of the casing but in relatively close proximity to the open end thereof for breaking the container upon being discharged from the casing. i

2. VA fire'extinguisher comprising, in combination, a casing open at one end, an inflammable saddle within the casing, a container for fire extinguishing fluid within the casing and resting upon the saddle, the casing below the saddle being open, the walls of the container being fragile, and means positioned below the opening of the casing so as toV be engaged -by the container whenreleased for breaking the container.

3. A lire extinguisher comprising,`in com.- b-ination, a casing'open at one end, an inflammable saddle within the casing, a container for fire extinguishing fluid within the casing and resting upon the saddle, the casing below the saddle being open, the walls of the container being fragile, means positioned below the opening of the casing so as torbe engaged by the container when released for breaking the container, and means for forcibly ejecting the container when released by the saddle.

l. A lire extinguishercomprising, in combination, a' casing open at lone end, an inflammable saddle within the casing, a container for fire extinguishing fluid within the casing and resting upon the saddle, the casing below the saddle being open, said saddle being quickly inflammable upon direct contact with a blaze but otherwise resisting'heat of a high temperature, a spring interposed between the container and the end wall of the casing, the applied saddle holding said spring under tension so that upon burning of the saddle the springY willy forcibly project the container from the casing, and means positioned below the opening of the casing so as to be engaged by the container after dropping through the opening of the casing to break the container. Y

5. A device of the class described comprising a casing, acontainer for lire extinguishing fluid within the casing, iniia-mmable means for supporting the container within the casing, said casing having an opening through which the container drops` when released by the supporting means, and aconoidal member supported below the opening of the casing, the apex of said member being disposed toward the casing, the container being fragile, said conoidal member providing Ymeans to be engaged by the container for dropping through the opening of the casing for breaking the container. i l

6. A device of the class described comprising a casmg, a container for fire extinguishing fluid within the casing, inflammable v means to be engaged by the container after dropping through the opening of the casing for breaking the container, and means for supporting said conoidal member from the casing.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aiix my signature.

LEWIS E. GRIFFING. 

